Following the Victorian Government’s announcement to integrate Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Authority (PPWCMA) into Melbourne Water by 2022, the organisations have been working to plan for the transition.
The integration decision means that the catchment management and waterway management roles for the Port Phillip and Western Port region will be together under one organisation, bringing the region in line with the rest of Victoria.
The decision comes after the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and PPWCMA explored ways to support best delivery of catchment management authority functions over the long term, and achieve optimum outcomes for the region’s customers and communities.
The integration will better position Victoria to provide a sustainable and coordinated approach for the Port Phillip and Western Port region.
Both organisations have a long and proud history of supporting communities to deliver projects that protect environmental assets, address priority issues and improve the health of the region.
Building on existing arrangements between PPWCMA and Melbourne Water, reputation and relationships with community stakeholder groups remains paramount and will continue to be preserved and sustained.
Since February 2021, PPWCMA and Melbourne Water employees have been working with DELWP to plan for the transition, and both organisations have expressed their excitement for the new benefits and opportunities to come for the region’s people and environment.
PPWCMA and Melbourne Water are currently exploring the potential pathways for each of their major programs and projects.
This is part of the development and rollout of a detailed integration plan. While this process continues throughout 2021, it is business as usual at both organisations.
